Carlo Ancelotti's chaotic 48 hours: When the final signature failed to arrive

In the world of football, agreements are only valid when they are signed. Every nod, every handshake, every phone call is meaningless if the contract is not signed. The story of Carlo Ancelotti and the Brazilian national team is a perfect example of this principle.

All the terms were agreed, the contract was checked down to the dot. However, in London, where the two sides were expected to sign the contract, Coach Ancelotti did not do that. He returned to Madrid empty-handed, leaving behind a deal that seemed to be settled, but collapsed because of a last-minute shake of the head.

Agreement after Arsenal loss

According to Marca, Diego Fernandes – a close advisor to the President of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) – was present in the stands of Emirates Stadium during the match between Arsenal and Real Madrid in the Champions League, alongside coach Ancelotti's Spanish representative, Mr. Alvaro Costa.

But it was no ordinary football match. Costa was the bridge that convinced Ancelotti to leave Real Madrid and join the Brazilian national team. Fernandes was there to complete the final step in a months-long negotiation process that would bring Ancelotti to Brazil in June.

The next day, in London, immediately after the defeat to Arsenal, there was a lunch where coach Ancelotti and the CBF representative reached an agreement that he would lead the Brazilian team until the end of the 2026 World Cup.

The detailed plan was given, coach Ancelotti was introduced to Selecao on May 26, after La Liga ended on May 25. On May 27, he will announce the list of Brazil's squad for the two qualifying matches against Ecuador and Paraguay. A new chapter seemed to have opened. But...

The scenario changes rapidly

A few days later, Fernandes appeared again, this time in the stands of La Cartuja Stadium (Seville), where Real Madrid played the Copa del Rey final (losing to Barca). After the match, he met with coach Ancelotti again, agreeing to complete the deal in London on April 28. CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues would not attend. This no longer mattered because everything was finalized.

The second trip to London took place. However, during that dinner, the Italian coach began to show hesitation. The next morning (April 29), the two sides continued to negotiate, many terms were adjusted and sent back for final review. By the end of the afternoon, coach Ancelotti still had not signed. He and the CBF representative returned to Madrid, present at the Valdebebas training ground as if nothing had happened.

The CBF still hoped that Ancelotti would sign a contract in Madrid. But by 10.30pm, the deal had officially collapsed. “The deal was broken. He said Madrid would not allow the signing of the contract, which shocked the intermediaries,” a source told Marca.

Why did coach Ancelotti refuse?

There has been much speculation surrounding Ancelotti's sudden "turnaround". Some sources in Brazil say that the Italian coach wants to receive his full salary for the final year of his contract with Real. However, Ancelotti's side denies this. They insist that Madrid did not obstruct him, and that he himself did not ask for compensation.

The problem, according to many who understand the story, lies in the fact that signing a contract with Brazil while still tied to Madrid is a risky move that could put him in a difficult position with his home team.

In fact, Real allowed coach Ancelotti to negotiate, but did not want him to sign a contract while the season was still going on. They were worried that the CBF's disclosure would lead to an ironic situation: the head coach of Real Madrid was announced by the Brazilian press as the new head coach of Selecao, when La Liga still had 4 rounds left.

Another thing that makes the Royal team uncomfortable is that coach Ancelotti returned to Madrid with a CBF representative - who has been "scrutinized" by the Spanish press recently.

Is there an invitation from Saudi Arabia?

Another theory is that Ancelotti is considering a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia. However, a close adviser to Ancelotti insists he has never heard of such an offer. And if it is true, it is still very early days.

It is still unclear what the next steps will be for both Ancelotti and Real. If the deal with Brazil falls through, the Italian will likely continue to lead Real at the FIFA Club World Cup. Real have previously considered the option of using interim coach Santiago Solari, before appointing Xabi Alonso as head coach next season.

Initially, it was expected that Ancelotti would leave Madrid with dignity, ending his golden journey with Real and starting a new chapter with the world's most successful team. But now the turmoil with Brazil could make the farewell much more complicated.

In fact, Ancelotti's initial concerns about living conditions and security in Brazil are no longer a barrier. He and his family have accepted the prospect of a new life in South America.

Everything is ready, but just missing...one signature.

Trong Dat

Source: https://tienphong.vn/48-gio-hon-loan-cua-hlv-carlo-ancelotti-khi-chu-ky-cuoi-cung-khong-den-post1738695.tpo